The LCVIP is investing in sixteen new research, development and demonstration programmes with the dual objectives of accelerating market introduction of low carbon road transport vehicles and of maximising the benefit to UK business of that accelerated market penetration.

Torotrak will be a member of a consortium being led by Jaguar Cars Limited, undertaking the design and development of a mechanical hybrid kinetic energy recovery system for use in a premium segment passenger car. The mechanical hybrid system, comprising a flywheel energy storage device and a traction-drive variable transmission unit connecting the flywheel to vehicle's drivetrain, is viewed as a cost competitive alternative to other hybrid systems. Other consortium members, who have all been closely collaborating together to generate the proposal and development programme, are Flybrid Systems LLP, Ford Motor Company Limited, Prodrive, Ricardo UK Ltd and Xtrac Ltd.

Torotrak's involvement in the project will include granting the other consortium members access to the Company's intellectual property and know-how for the purpose of carrying out the project. In addition, Torotrak will support the project with analysis and design expertise relating to its variable drive technology which is central to the function and performance of the proposed system.

Commenting on the project, Dick Elsy, Torotrak's Chief Executive said “Support by the TSB for this project will provide an excellent platform for demonstrating the applicability, benefits and commercial value of mechanical hybrid technology in mainstream vehicles. Our membership of this consortium provides further validation of the application of our technology to kinetic energy recovery systems.”